Plan for ‘unsuitable’ new town gym provokes backlash from Diss Heritage Trust member
Plans for a £6 million leisure centre have been met with criticism amid concerns of over-saturation.
South Norfolk Council has started demolishing the old John Grose car dealership buildings in Diss to make way for the new facility.
But efforts to regenerate the site have been met with backlash from some locals, who have questioned where the demand for a new gym has come from.
Diss is already home to a recently-refurbished swim centre and two gyms, with another set to open in the coming weeks.
Ray Bryant, from Diss Heritage Trust, suggested the council was being “thoughtless” and said the site should be put to better use.
South Norfolk Council wants to build a two-storey leisure centre including a 55-station gym, multi-use studio, spin studio and cafe.
The scheme was launched in the same month the council reopened Diss Swim Centre following a £4 million revamp.
Refurbishment of the facility – previously known as Diss Leisure Centre – resulted in the removal of its former gym area.
The town is home to Diss Fit Club, Heywood Fitness Centre and will soon have a Pure Gym branch.
Mr Bryant has criticised the council for not engaging more with the public before launching its plans for a new leisure hub.
He said: “We have to ensure investments in the town are beneficial and not done thoughtlessly, or for political gain.
“The redevelopment of the John Grose site is a brilliant opportunity, but what the council has proposed is incongruous and unsuitable.
“We want locals to have a say and, if this is what people want, they should build it. But you don’t see many really fit people walking around town.”
He suggested the site could be left empty to create a new park or walkway down to the Mere.
Graham Minshull, district councillor for Diss, said: “The council had been looking for an opportunity to invest in Diss for years before buying the John Grose site.
“We are very experienced in delivering leisure projects and work with industry specialists to get the best value for our residents.
“We have also carried out a needs feasibility study, including two demand and need analysis reports.
“Council-run facilities are designed to suit all ages and abilities, and we offer a warm and friendly welcome to the young and the elderly.”
There will be a public consultation to give locals an opportunity to comment on the proposals.
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